®
®
Europaisches Patentamt
European Patent Office
Office europeen des brevets
© Publication number:
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
0 651 250 A2
Application number: 94117146.4
© int. Cl. B : G01N 33/49, A61B 5/00
(22/ Date of filing: 29.10.94
© Priority: 02.1 1. 93 JP 274228/93
© Applicant: KYOTO DAIICHI KAGAKU CO., LTD.
(«y Date of publication of application:
57 NishiaKeta-cho
Higashikujo
03.05.95 Bulletin 95/18
Minami-ku
© Designated Contracting States:
Kyoto-shi
Kyoto-fu (JP)
CH DE FR GB IT LI
© Inventor: Hyodo, Hiroshi, c/o KYOTO DAIICHI
KAGAKU CO., LTD.
57, Nishiaketa-cho,
Higashikujo,
Minami-ku
Kyoto-shi,
Kyoto-fu (JP)
© Representative: Dallmeyer, Georg et al
Patentanwalte
Von Kreisler-Selting-Werner
Bahnhofsvorplatz 1 (Deichmannhaus)
D-50667 Koln (DE)
© Data managing method In portable blood sugar value-measuring and portable blood sugar
value-measuring apparatus using same.
© A managing method includes steps of selecting a function according to the type of an electrode mounted on
the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus (step S4); executing a process of clocking a predetermined
period of time (steps S6, S32, S42); deciding whether or not the clocking process has been switched over to a
different process while the predetermined period of time is being clocked (steps S7, S31, S41); and reading out
data of measured blood sugar values stored in a storing means from a termination point of the first
predetermined period of time when the first predetermined period of time has terminated without the switch-over
from the first clocking process to the blood sugar value-measuring process being decided in the deciding
^ process (steps S8, S33, S43).
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EP 0 651 250 A2
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2
EP 0 651 250 A2
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
s The present invention relates to a data managing method in a portable blood sugar value-measuring
apparatus and the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus which carries out the data managing
method. The method and the apparatus can be used by a patient himself/herself to measure his/her blood
sugar value.
io 2. Conventional Art
People know a portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus which stores data of blood sugar values
sequentially measured by a diabetic for himself/herself. In reading out a plurality of the stored data of the
measured blood sugar values in such a conventional blood sugar value-measuring apparatus, an operation
75 button provided on the surface thereof is depressed to display them sequentially on a display portion.
As disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 357452/1992, the present applicant
proposed a blood sugar value-measuring apparatus having no operation buttons provided thereon. In the
blood sugar value-measuring apparatus disclosed in the Patent Publication, various types of electrodes
such as a blood sugar value-measuring one, correcting one and the like having its own resistance value are
20 installed on the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus. When one of them is mounted on the blood sugar
value-measuring apparatus, its resistance value is detected and then, the blood sugar value-measuring
apparatus is set to operation state. In addition, which type of the electrodes has been installed on the blood
sugar value-measuring apparatus can be detected based on its resistance value. In this manner, a function
of each type of electrode is performed in the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus. This construction
25 eliminates the need for the provision of an operation switch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved data managing method which is used in a
30 portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus having no operation buttons in order to eliminate the
provision of the operation on reading a plurality of measured blood sugar values and to provide the portable
blood sugar value-measuring apparatus storing the measured blood sugar values in a storing means
sequently, reading the measured blood sugar values from the storing means, or the like.
In accomplishing the aforementioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention of the
35 data managing method, there is provided a data managing method, to be carried out in a portable blood
sugar value-measuring apparatus having no operation button, of selectively and removably mounting one of
electrodes on the apparatus to execute a function in correspondence with a resistance value of the selected
electrode, comprising:
a preparatory process of mounting the electrode on the portable blood sugar value-measuring
40 apparatus to set the apparatus to an operation start state and select the function to be executed in
correspondence with the mounted electrode;
a first clocking process of clocking a first predetermined period of time after the execution of the
preparatory process terminates;
a deciding process for deciding whether the first clocking process has been switched over to a blood
45 sugar value-measuring process for measuring a blood sugar value of to-be-measured liquid which has
dropped to the mounted electrode while clocking the first predetermined period of time is being executed in
the first clocking process, a measured blood sugar value in the blood sugar value-measuring process is
stored in a storing means when it is decided that the measured blood sugar value is to be stored in the
storing means; and
so a read-out process for reading out data stored in the storing means from a termination point of the first
predetermined period of time and outputting the data read out from the storing means when the first
predetermined period of time has terminated without the switch-over from the first clocking process to the
blood sugar value-measuring process being decided in the deciding process.
According to another aspect of the present invention of the apparatus, there is provided a portable
55 blood sugar value-measuring apparatus, having no operation button, for selecting a function to be executed
based on one of electrodes each of which has resistance value executing a function, the apparatus having
an electrode detection means for detecting whether or not one of the electrodes removable therefrom has
been mounted thereon, thus outputting a mounting detection signal; and a signal output means, connected
3
EP 0 651 250 A2
with an output side of the electrode detection means, for outputting a function selection signal based on a
resistance value of the electrode mounted on the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus, the
apparatus comprising:
a storing means for storing data of measured blood sugar values obtained by executing a blood sugar
5 value-measuring function selected based on the resistance value of the mounted electrode;
a preparatory means, connected with the output side of the electrode detection means and an output
side of the signal output means, for setting the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus to an
operation start state when the electrode detection means detects that the electrode has been mounted on
the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus and selecting the function to be executed based on the
w function selection signal;
a first clocking means connected with an output side of the preparatory means, for clocking a first
predetermined period of time from a point when the function is selected by the preparatory means;
a deciding means, connected with an output side of the first clocking means, the output side of the
electrode detection means, and the output side of the signal output means, for deciding whether or not the
75 mounting detection signal and the function selection signal have been supplied while clocking the first
predetermined period of time is being executed; and
a read-out means, connected with the output side of the deciding means and an output side of the
storing means, for reading out the data of the measured blood sugar values stored in the storing means
from a point when the first predetermined period of time has terminated and outputting the data of the
20 measured blood sugar values when the first predetermined period of time has terminated without the
deciding means deciding whether or not the function selection signal has been supplied.
By the above construction of the present invention, the deciding means decides whether or not the
function selection signal has been supplied while the operation of counting the first predetermined period of
time is being executed. If the deciding means decides that the function selection signal has not been
25 supplied, the read-out means starts reading the data of the measured blood sugar values stored in the
storing means when the first predetermined period of time has terminated.
Accordingly, the preparatory means, the first clocking means, the deciding means, the read-out means,
and the electrode detecting means act smoothly when the data of the measured blood sugar values is read
out from the storing means.
30
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become clear from the following
description taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompany-
35 ing drawings throughout which like parts are designated by like reference numerals, and in which:
Fig. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of a data managing method according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a flowchart subsequent to the flowchart shown in Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 3 is a flowchart subsequent to the flowchart shown in Fig. 2;
40 Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the operation of a measuring function to be executed by
means of a testing electrode;
Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the operation of a correcting function;
Fig. 6 is a view showing the display method of data of a blood sugar value stored in a RAM;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the outlook configuration of an example of a blood sugar value-
45 measuring apparatus to which the data managing method of the present invention is applied;
Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the construction of the blood sugar value-measuring
apparatus shown in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the construction of a CPU shown in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the electrode shown in Fig. 7;
50 Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing an electrode according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an electrode according to still another embodiment of
the present invention; and
Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the assembled electrode shown in Fig. 12.
4
EP 0 651 250 A2
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Before the description of the present invention proceeds, it is to be noted that like parts are designated
by like reference numerals throughout the accompanying drawings.
5 A portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus to which a data managing method according to an
embodiment of the present invention does not have an operation switch, similarly to the blood sugar value-
measuring apparatus disclosed in the Patent Publication previously described. The operation switch means
a switch which is mounted on an outer surface of the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus and can be
manually operated by a user. An example of the outline of the construction of the blood sugar value-
10 measuring apparatus is described below.
Referring to Fig. 7, the blood sugar vague-measuring apparatus 1 is rectangular and plate-shaped.
There is formed on a side surface 1a of the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 in the thickness
direction thereof a connector 3 into which various electrodes 45 such as a measuring electrode 4 for
measuring a blood sugar value as shown in Fig. 10 are inserted. A liquid crystal display (LCD) 2 occupying
75 a large area of the upper surface 1b of the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 is formed thereon.
The circuit construction of the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 is described below with
reference to Fig. 8.
A power battery 57 incorporated in the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 is connected with a
battery checking device 58 which decides whether the voltage of the power battery 57 is in a predeter-
20 mined range. The output side of the battery checking device 58 is connected with a CPU 50. The power
battery 57 is connected with the CPU 50 via a voltage stabilizing circuit 62, thus supplying the CPU 50 with
a predetermined electric power.
The connector 3 is connected with the input side of a detecting circuit 52 which detects whether or not
the electrode 45 has been mounted on the connector 3, thus outputting a signal indicating that the electrode
25 45 has been mounted on the connector 3 if the electrode 45 has been mounted thereon. The connector 3 is
also connected with the input side of a current/voltage converter 53 for converting electric current flowing
through the electrode 45 connected with the connector 3 into a voltage. The output side of the detecting
circuit 52 is connected with the CPU 50 so that the detecting circuit 52 outputs a signal indicating that the
electrode 45 has been mounted on the connector 3 to the CPU 50. The current/voltage converter 53 is
30 connected with the output side of a reaction voltage setting circuit 63 connected with the output side of the
voltage stabilizing circuit 62. The reaction voltage setting circuit 63 supplies a predetermined reaction
voltage to the electrode 45 mounted on the connector 3 via the current/voltage converter 53, when the
reaction voltage setting circuit 63 has been supplied with a control signal outputted from the CPU 50 upon
receipt of a signal from the detecting circuit 52. The current/voltage converter 53 is connected with the
35 output side of a gain control circuit 65, the input side of which is connected with the CPU 50. The output
side of the current/voltage converter 53 is connected with the CPU 50 via an A/D converter 54. Thus, the
intensity of electric current flowing through the electrode 45 is converted into a digital value and the digital
value is supplied to the CPU 50 as data.
The CPU 50 is connected with a RAM (random access memory) 70 for storing the data of blood sugar
40 values measured by the measuring electrode 4. The RAM 70 can store the data of latest 10 measured
blood sugar values and the data of measured values of control liquid which will be described later.
The CPU 50 is also connected with the output side of a resetting circuit 64, the input side of which is
connected with the output side of the voltage stabilizing circuit 62; the output side of a temperature sensor
55; the output side of an oscillator 60 for outputting clock signals; the input side of the LCD 2; the input side
45 of a buzzer 59 for generating an alarm; and the input and output sides of a semiconductor memory 61 for
storing the correction value for each blood sugar value-measuring apparatus:
The outline of the fundamental operation, similar to that disclosed in the above-described Patent
Publication, of the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 having the above construction is described
below.
so The main component contained in the reagent layer of the measuring electrode 4 consists of
oxidoreductase having a substrate contained in biological body fluid and a redox compound serving as a
substance for transporting electrons of the oxidoreductase.
For example, the main component consists of glucose oxidase (hereinafter referred to as GOD) and
potassium ferricyanide serving as mediator. When the electrode is supplied with measured liquid containing
55 glucose, the mediator, namely, potassium ferricyanide and glucose react with each other in the presence of
GOD as shown by an equation 1 shown below to form potassium ferrocyanide corresponding to the density
of glucose. At a certain interval, an electric circuit is used in this embodiment to apply a certain voltage to
both ends of a lead of the electrode. The intensity of oxidation current thus obtained is proportional to the
5
BP 0 651 250 A2
density of potassium ferrocyanide formed by the reaction shown by the equation 1 , namely, the density of
glucose. Thus, the density of glucose contained in the measured liquid can be measured by measuring the
intensity of electric current generated by the application of the voltage to the electrode.
5 [Equation 1]
GOD
D-Glucose + 2Fe{CN) 6 3 " + H 2 0 h>
70 Gluconic acid + 2H + + 2Fe(CN) 6 4 ~
2Fe(CN) 6 4 " > 2Fe(CN) 6 3 ~ + 2e"
constant voltage
15
First, the measuring electrode 4 is inserted into the connector 3. When the detecting circuit 52 has
detected the insertion of the measuring electrode 4 into the connector 3, the reaction voltage setting circuit
63 serving as the power supply applies a predetermined voltage necessary for obtaining response electric
current to the terminal of the connector 3. Thus, the response electric current flowing through the measuring
20 electrode 4 inserted into the connector 3 is converted into a voltage by the current/voltage converter 53 and
then, the voltage is converted into binary data by the A/D converter 54.
The CPU 50 reads an output signal of the A/D converter 54, thus executing processing. The measuring
electrode 4 containing enzyme is considered to be a kind of a resistor. Supposing that the resistance value
of the measuring electrode 4 is Rs; the amplification resistance of the current/voltage converter 53 is Rf;
25 and a voltage to be applied to the terminal of the connector 3 is E, the output voltage Eo of the
current/voltage converter 53 is found by the following equation:
Eo = E + ixRf = E + (E/Rs) x Rf
30 The resistance value Rs of the measuring electrode 4 is as great as an infinite quantity when the
measuring electrode 4 is not supplied with to-be-measured liquid. Accordingly, the intensity (i) of electric
current is very small and thus, the output voltage Eo of the current/voltage converter 53 is nearly equal to E.
When the measuring electrode 4 is supplied with the to-be-measured liquid, the resistance value Rs of
the measuring electrode 4 drops rapidly. Consequently, the output voltage E 0 increases rapidly. Therefore,
35 the dropping of the liquid to the measuring electrode 4 can be detected by always monitoring the output
voltage Eo of the current/voltage converter 53.
Thus, the CPU 50 detects the change in the output voltage Eo of the current/voltage converter 53 based
on a signal supplied thereto from the A/D converter 54, thus starting a measuring timer automatically.
In adjusting the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1, an adjusting electrode is used. The adjusting
40 electrode has a configuration similar to that of the measuring electrode 4 and a constant resistance value
much smaller than that (infinite quantity) of an unused electrode. That is, when the voltage of the adjusting
electrode is measured, the adjusting electrode indicates a stable and constant voltage from the beginning of
measurement. Thus, the CPU 50 can discriminate several kinds of adjusting electrodes from each other
based on different voltages.
45 The adjusting electrode includes an adjusting mode switch-over one, an electrode for correcting error
between the apparatuses, calibrating, testing one, and unit-switching one, etc. If the adjusting electrode is
decided as the calibrating electrode, the CPU 50 automatically discriminates and selects a proper working
curve corresponding to the calibrating electrode from a plurality of working curves stored in the blood sugar
value-measuring apparatus, according to the resistance value (voltage) thereof.
50 When the adjusting electrode is decided as the testing electrode, the voltage thereof is converted into a
density, and the density is displayed on the LCD 2. The CPU 50 decides whether or not the blood sugar
value-measuring apparatus is abnormal based on the density.
When the adjusting electrode is decided as the unit-switching electrode, the voltage thereof is
automatically altered/converted into each density unit (for example, mg/dl, mmol/L) so as to display the
55 density unit on the LCD 2. Table 1 shows relations between the resistance value and the working curve for
each calibrating electrode.
6
EP 0 651 250 A2
Table 1
5
calibrating
electrode No.
resistance value (Kn)
working curve No.
0
27
F- 0
1
30
F- 1
2
33
F-2
3
36
F-3
4
39
F-4
5
43
F-5
6
47
F-6
7
51
F-7
8
56
F-8
9
62
F-9
It is possible to increase the number of terminals of the connector 3 so as to insert the calibrating
electrode or the testing electrode into the terminals other than the terminal into which the electrode is
inserted.
25 There is a possibility that a method of discriminating the calibrating electrode or the testing electrode
from other kinds of electrodes based on only the resistance value thereof leads to a decision that an
electrode used which has been erroneously inserted into the connector 3 is the calibrating electrode or the
testing electrode. In order to prevent such an erroneous decision, the following method is adopted in the
portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 .
30 A voltage E 0 i of an electrode inserted into the connector 3 is measured when the power supply is
turned on, and a voltage E02 thereof is measured again at an interval of several seconds in relation to the
point when the power supply is turned on. The rate of change (AE) in the two voltages is calculated. If the
rate of change is greater than a predetermined level, it is decided that the electrode is the used one, and
the result is displayed on the LCD 2. If the rate of change in the voltages is smaller than the predetermined
35 level, it is decided that the electrode is the calibrating one or the testing one.
[Equation 2] AE = :(Eoi - E02) + E01 !
If an unused electrode behaves similarly to an electrode used because the former absorbs moisture at
40 a high humidity, liquid junction detecting terminals 9a and 9b are disposed alongside the electrode as
shown in Fig. 11. Supposing that the liquid junction detecting terminals 9a and 9b are provided, when the
resistance value therebetween is infinite, it is decided by the CPU 50 that there is no liquid junctions and
that the electrode inserted into the connector 3 is unused, whereas if the resistance value therebetween is
low, it is decided that the electrode has been already used.
45 Fig. 12 is a detailed exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of an electrode. Fig. 13 is
a perspective view showing the outlook of the electrode.
There are provided on a substrate 31 a counter electrode 34, a measuring pole 35, leads 33, 32
connected with the counter electrode 34 and the measuring pole 35, respectively, and an insulating layer
36. Although not shown in Fig. 12, a reaction layer containing enzyme and mediator formed on the
50 substrate 31 covers the counter electrode 34 and the measuring pole 35. A cover 39 is fixed to the upper
surface of the substrate 31 via a spacer 37. To-be-measured liquid is introduced from a supply hole 38 to
the counter electrode 34 and the measuring pole 35 by means of capillary action. Reference numeral 40
denotes an air introducing hole. An inverse insertion-preventing projection 41 projects from a side surface of
the electrode 45. When the electrode 45 is inserted into the connector 3 normally, the projection 41 is
55 inserted into the gap, whereas if the electrode 45 is inserted into the connector 3 upside down, the
projection 41 prevents the electrode 45 from being inserted into the gap.
The operation of the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus disclosed in the above-described Patent
Publication can be carried out by the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 .
7
EP 0 651 250 A2
Furthermore, the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has each
function of storing a measured blood sugar value, measuring the blood sugar value of the control liquid,
reading the data of the measured blood sugar value stored in the RAM 70, and erasing the data of the
measured blood sugar values. The CPU 50 executes the following various controls which will be described
5 below.
An embodiment of the data managing method applied to the portable blood sugar value-measuring
apparatus 1 having the above-described construction and performing the above-described operation is
described below.
First, an embodiment of the data managing method to be carried out by the portable blood sugar value-
10 measuring apparatus 1 in performing a normal blood sugar value-measuring function is described below
with reference to Figs. 1 , 2, and 3. Figs. 1 and 2 are connected with each other via a reference character
(P) and Figs. 2 and 3 are connected with each other via a reference character (T).
When the measuring electrode 4 is inserted into the connector 3 of the apparatus 1 at step S1, the
detecting circuit 52 outputs a mounting detection signal to the CPU 50. Upon receipt of the signal, the CPU
is 50 outputs a signal to the buzzer 59. Then, the buzzer 59 generates an alarm indicating that the measuring
electrode 4 has been inserted into the connector 3. At step S2, all segments of the LCD 2 are turned on for
two seconds under the control of the CPU 50. The connector 3 and the detecting circuit 52 correspond to
the electrode detecting means defined in the claim of the present invention.
At step S3, the battery checking device 58 detects the voltage of the power battery 57 incorporated in
20 the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1. At step S4, under the control of the CPU 50, electric current
is applied to the electrode 45 inserted into the connector 3 via the reaction voltage setting circuit 63 and the
current/voltage converter 53. In this manner, the CPU 50 detects the resistance value of the electrode 45.
The CPU 50 decides whether the electrode 45 is the testing one, the calibrating one or the measuring one
by detecting the resistance value of the electrode 45 through the current/voltage converter 53 and the A/D
25 converter 54. The current/voltage converter 53 and the A/D converter 54 correspond to the signal output
means defined in the claim of the present invention. The testing electrode means an electrode having a
predetermined resistance value so that a predetermined blood sugar value is displayed on the LCD 2.
If it is decided at step S4 that the electrode 45 inserted into the connector 3 is the testing electrode, the
program goes to a process, shown in Fig. 4 via a reference character (Q), which will be described later,
30 whereas if it is decided at step S4 that the electrode 45 inserted into the connector 3 is the calibrating one,
the program goes to a process, shown in Fig. 5, via a reference character (R) which will be described later.
Because the measuring electrode 4 has been inserted into the connector 3, the CPU 50 decides that
the electrode 45 is the electrode for measuring a blood sugar value, thus starting the execution of the blood
sugar value-measuring function. The preparatory process of functions to be executed terminates at steps S1
35 through S4.
The operations to be executed at steps S1 through S4 correspond to the preparatory process defined in
the claim of the present invention. A preparatory portion 50a of the CPU 50 shown in Fig. 9 executes the
preparatory process.
The portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 can store 10 latest measured blood sugar
40 values. After the preparatory process terminates at steps S1 through S4, a measurement number of the first
time measurement through the 10th time measurement indicating a current measurement and a working
curve number (F-0 through F-10, as shown in Table 1) indicating the kind of the working curve are
alternately displayed on the LCD 2 at intervals of one second at step S5.
At step S6, the CPU 50 starts clocking one minute from the point when the preparatory process has
45 terminated, namely, from the point when the alternate display of the measurement number and the working
curve number has been started. It is to be noted that the clocking time period is not limited to one minute.
The operations to be executed at steps S5 and S6 correspond to the first clocking process defined in
the claim of the present invention. A first clocking portion 50b of the CPU 50 shown in Fig. 9 executes the
first clocking process.
so At step S7, the CPU 50 decides whether or not the resistance value of the measuring electrode 4 has
changed rapidly due to the dropping of blood to the measuring electrode 4 during the period of time from
the point when clocking operation has started until the termination of one minute. If the dropping of the
blood has been detected at step S7, the program goes to step $11 which will be described later to measure
the blood sugar value, whereas if the dropping of the blood has not been detected at step S7, the program
55 returns to step S5.
The operation to be executed at step $7 corresponds to the deciding process defined in the claim of
the present invention. A deciding portion 50c of the CPU 50 shown in Fig. 9 executes the deciding process.
8
EP 0 651 250 A2
At steps S6 and S7, it is possible to drop control liquid to the measuring electrode 4 instead of blood.
The control liquid-measuring function is described below.
The control liquid means liquid having a density adjusted to a known, or predetermined density of
glucose. The control liquid-measuring function means a function of checking whether or not a blood sugar
5 value-measuring/calculating circuit or the like of the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 is
abnormal condition and whether or not measuring electrodes having the same lot number as that of the
measuring electrode 4 used to the control liquid -measuring function of the control liquid has defect, based
on the operator's decision that a blood sugar value, corresponding to the density of glucose of the control
liquid, indicated on the LCD 2 by dropping the control liquid to the measuring electrode 4 is included within
w a predesignated blood sugar value. The blood sugar value measured by using the control liquid is stored in
the RAM 70. In order to distinguish the blood sugar value, measured by using blood, to be stored in the
RAM 70 and the blood sugar value, measured by using the control liquid, to be stored in the RAM 70 from
each other, the following operation is performed in dropping the control liquid to the measuring electrode 4.
At steps S6 and S7, the measuring electrode 4 is pulled out from the portable blood sugar value-
?5 measuring apparatus 1. As a result, the alternate display of the measurement number and the working
curve number terminates, and either the former or the latter remains displayed on the LCD 2 for three
seconds. When the measuring electrode 4 is inserted into the connector 3 again during the three seconds,
as a display indicating that the control liquid is measured next, for example, the display of a character "C"
and the display of characters "F-0" indicating the display of the working curve number are made alternately
20 on the LCD 2. In this manner, the control liquid-measuring function is performed. When the measuring
electrode 4 is not inserted into the connector 3 within the three seconds, the power supply is turned off.
When the control liquid is dropped to the measuring electrode 4, a measuring operation is performed
similarly to the method of dropping blood to the measuring electrode 4, and the RAM 70 stores the
character, for example, "C" indicating the measured value of the control liquid and the blood sugar value
25 measured by using the control liquid. The method of measuring a blood sugar value by dropping blood to
the measuring electrode 4 is described later.
If it is decided at step S6 that blood has not been dropped the measuring electrode 4 within one
minute, the program goes to step S8. At step S8, the CPU 50 reads the data of measured blood sugar
values stored in the RAM 70, thus outputting memory numbers and the data of the measured blood sugar
30 values corresponding to the respective memory numbers to the LCD 2 in this order. The LCD 2 displays
the memory numbers and the data of the measured blood sugar values corresponding to the respective
memory numbers in this order.
The operation to be executed at step S8 corresponds to the read-out process defined in the claim of
the present invention. A read-out portion 50d of the CPU 50 shown in Fig. 9 executes the read-out process.
35 The display of the memory numbers and that of the data of the measured blood sugar values
corresponding to the respective memory numbers are described below with reference to Fig. 6 and Tables
2 - 4. First, the display of a character, for example, "A" indicating the average value of all measured blood
sugar values stored in the RAM 70 is displayed on the LCD 2 for one second and then, the display of the
character "A" is terminated and then, the average value is displayed for two seconds. Then, as shown in
40 Table 2, a latest measured blood sugar value through an oldest one are sequentially displayed. That is,
when the two seconds have elapsed, the display of the average value is terminated and then, "3" which is
the memory number storing the latest measured blood sugar value is displayed for one second. When one
second has elapsed, the display of the character "3" is terminated and then, a measured blood sugar value
corresponding to the memory number "3" is displayed for two seconds. At the termination of two seconds
45 during which the measured blood sugar value corresponding to the memory number "3" is displayed, the
display of the measured blood sugar value corresponding to the memory number "3" is terminated. Then, a
memory number n 2" is displayed for one second. When one second has elapsed, the display of the
character "2" is terminated and then, a measured blood sugar value corresponding to the memory number
"2" is displayed for two seconds. Similarly, the displays of measured blood sugar values corresponding to
50 the memory numbers "5" and "4 W are sequentially executed.
The read-out method of the data of the measured blood sugar values stored in the RAM 70 is not
limited to the above-described one, but it is possible to display the measured blood sugar values in the
order from the oldest one to the latest one and alter the above-described display time period of each data
to a different one.
55 Table 4 shows an example the read-out of the data of measured blood sugar values from the RAM 70
when the control liquid-measuring function is executed and a blood sugar value measured by using the
control liquid is stored in the RAM 70. A character "C" in Table 4 shows a portion in which the control
liquid-measuring function has been executed. When the control liquid-measuring function is executed and
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EP 0 651 250 A2
the blood sugar value measured by using the control liquid is stored in the RAM 70, the above-described
average value is calculated based on only the data of the blood sugar values measured by using blood.
That is, the data of the blood sugar values measured by using the control liquid is not used in finding the
average value.
Table 2
memory No.
4 5 6
7 8
9
10 1
2 3
data
oldest
-->
latest
read-out order
A 3 2
1 10
9
8 7
6 5 4
Table 3
memory No .
4 5 6
7 8
9
10 1
2 3
data
oldest
-->
latest
read- out order
A 4 5
6 7
8
9 10 1
2 3
Table 4
memory No.
4 5 6
C 7
8
9 10
1 2
data
oldest
--->
latest
read-out order
A 2 1
10 9
8
7 C
6 5 4
At step S9, it is decided whether the display of all the measured blood sugar values stored in the RAM
30 70 has terminated. If the display of all the measured blood sugar values stored in the RAM 70 has
terminated at step S9, the power supply of the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 is turned off.
If it is detected at step S10 that the blood or the control liquid has been dropped to the measuring
electrode 4 before the displays of all the measured blood sugar values terminate at step S9, the program
goes to step S1 1 .
35 As described above, in the embodiment, the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 can display the
blood sugar values stored in the RAM without providing with an operation butter.
The operation to be executed at step S10 corresponds to the dropping deciding process defined in the
claim of the present invention. An dropping deciding portion 50k of the CPU 50 shown in Fig. 9 executes
the dropping deciding process.
40 Furthermore, if the electrode is installed on or removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring
apparatus 1 between the operation to be executed at step S8 and the operation to be executed at step S9,
namely, while the data of the measured blood sugar values read out from the RAM 70 is being outputted to
the LCD 2, the data of all the measured blood sugar values stored in the RAM 70 is erased.
That is, it is decided at step S50 whether the electrode is removed from the portable blood sugar value-
rs measuring apparatus 1. If the electrode is not removed therefrom at step S50, the program goes to step S9,
whereas if the electrode is removed therefrom at step S50, the program goes to step S51.
It is decided at step S51 whether the electrode has been mounted again on the portable blood sugar
value-measuring apparatus 1 within three seconds after the electrode is removed therefrom. If no at step
S51, the power supply is turned off. At this time, the data of the measured blood sugar values stored in the
so RAM 70 is not erased. If yes at step S5t, the program goes to step S52 at which the data of all the
measured blood sugar values stored in the RAM 70 is erased. Then, the power supply is turned off.
The operations to be executed at steps S50 through S52 correspond to the data erasing process
defined in the claim of the present invention. A data erasing portion 50] shown in Fig. 9 executes the data
erasing process.
55 The period of time between the point when the electrode is removed from the connector 3 and the point
when the electrode is mounted thereon again is not limited to three seconds. It is also possible to erase a
part of all the data stored in the RAM 70.
10
EP 0 651 250 A2
Further, the kind of the electrode to be mounted on or removed from the portable blood sugar value-
measuring apparatus 1 is not limited to a specific kind of electrode.
As described above, in the embodiment, the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 can erase the
data of the blood sugar values stored in the RAM 70 without providing with the operation button.
5 The operation of starting the measurement of a blood sugar value is described below, supposing that
blood or the control liquid has been dropped to the measuring electrode 4 within one minute at steps S6
and S7 or the dropping of the blood or the control liquid has been detected a step S1 0.
In this case, the CPU 50 measures atmospheric temperature T1 at step S11 by using a thermistor
mounted on the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 immediately before the blood sugar
70 value is measured.
At steps S12 and S13, the CPU 50 waits for a predetermined reaction time period from the point when
the dropping of the blood to the measuring electrode 4 has been detected at step S11 until the point when
the reaction of the blood dropped to the measuring electrode 4 and a reagent layer formed in the
measuring electrode 4 takes place. At step S14, when the reaction time period has terminated, the CPU 50
/5 measures a temperature T2 by using the thermistor immediately after the blood sugar value is measured.
At step S15, the CPU 50 subtracts the temperature T1 measured at step S11 from the temperature T2
measured at step S14, thus deciding whether the absolute value of a value obtained by the subtraction is
greater than a predetermined value K. If the absolute value is greater than the value K, the LCD 2 executes
an error display under the control of the CPU 50. The temperature in the reaction of the blood and the
20 reagent layer of the measuring electrode 4 affects greatly on a measured blood sugar value. Thus, when
the temperature difference between the temperature before the measurement and that after the measure-
ment is higher than the predetermined value K, the measured blood sugar value is not reliable, if the
absolute value is equal or less to the value K at step S15, the program goes to step S17 at which the CPU
50 issues an instruction to the reaction voltage setting circuit 63 to apply a predetermined voltage to the
25 measuring electrode 4, thus measuring the value of oxidation current. Based on the measured value of the
oxidation current, the CPU 50 calculates a blood sugar value, thus outputting a signal to the LCD 2 at step
S18 so that the blood sugar value is displayed thereon. In displaying the blood sugar value, the CPU 50
also outputs a signal to the buzzer 59 to inform a user of the completion of the measurement.
The operations to be executed at steps 12, 13, 17, and 18 are similar to those to be executed in the
30 blood sugar value-measuring apparatus disclosed in the Patent Publication.
The operations to be executed at steps S11 through S17 correspond to the blood sugar value-
measuring process defined in the claim of the present invention. A blood sugar value-measuring portion 50e
of the CPU 50 shown in Fig. 9 executes the blood sugar value-measuring process.
At step S19, the CPU 50 decides whether three minutes have elapsed from the start point of the display
35 of the measured blood sugar value executed at step S18, namely, from the point when the process of
measuring the blood sugar value has been completed. The operations to be executed at steps S18 and S19
correspond to the second clocking process defined in the claim of the present invention. A second clocking
portion 50f of the CPU 50 shown in Fig. 9 executes the second clocking process.
It is decided at step S20 whether or not the user has pulled out the measuring electrode 4 from the
40 connector 3 before the three minutes elapse. This decision is made based on whether the mounting
detection signal has been supplied from the detecting circuit 52 to the CPU 50. If the measuring electrode 4
is not pulled out therefrom at step S20, the program returns to step S18, thus executing operations between
steps S18 and S20, whereas if the measuring electrode 4 is pulled out therefrom at step S20, the program
goes to step S21. The decision as to whether the mounting detection signal has been supplied from the
45 detecting circuit 52 to the CPU 50 is made based on the level, namely, a high level and a low level of the
mounting detection signal.
At step S21, the CPU 50 starts counting three seconds from the point when the CPU 50 has detected
the removal of the measuring electrode 4 from the connector 3 at step S20, thus deciding whether or not
the measuring electrode 4 has been inserted into the connector 3 again within the three seconds based on
50 whether the mounting detection signal has been supplied from the detecting circuit 52 to the CPU 50. If the
CPU 50 has detected the insertion of the measuring electrode 4 within three seconds at step S21 , the CPU
50 outputs a signal to the RAM 70 not to store the data of the currently measured blood sugar value,
namely, to execute the measurement result-erasing function, the power supply of the blood sugar value-
measuring apparatus 1 is turned off under the control of the CPU 50. If the CPU 50 has not detected the
55 insertion of the measuring electrode 4 within three seconds at step S21 , the program goes to step S22 at
which the RAM 70 stores the data of the currently measured blood sugar value. Then, the power supply is
turned off.
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EP 0 651 250 A2
If the measuring electrode 4 is not removal from the connector 3 at step S20, the program returns to
step S18 to continue the operations at steps S18 through S20. When it is decided at step S19 that three
minutes have elapsed, the program goes to step S22 at which the RAM 70 stores the data of the currently
measured blood sugar value.
5 The operations to be executed at steps S20 and S21 correspond to the writing permis-
sion/nonpermission deciding process defined in the claim of the present invention. A writing permis-
sion/nonpermission deciding portion 50g of the CPU 50 shown in Fig. 9 executes the writing permis-
sion/nonpermission deciding process. The operation to be executed at step S22 corresponds to the writing
process defined in the claim of the present invention. A writing portion 50h of the CPU 50 shown in Fig. 9
w executes the writing process.
Description is made on an embodiment of the data managing method in performing a measuring
function by means of the testing electrode and the calibrating (switch-over of working curve) function with
reference to Figs. 4 and 5, supposing that the testing electrode or the calibrating electrode has been
inserted into the connector 3.
15 The measuring function by means of the testing electrode means a function to check whether or not the
portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 operates normally. The CPU 50 decides that the
electrode inserted into the connector 3 is the testing electrode according to a predetermined resistance
value of the testing electrode and converts the resistance value into a blood sugar value, thus outputting a
signal to the LCD 2 so that the measured blood sugar value is displayed thereon.
20 Referring to Fig. 4, the operation of the measuring function by means of the testing electrode is
described below. When it is decided at step S4 that the electrode inserted into the connector 3 is the
testing electrode, the program goes to step S30 at which the CPU 50 converts the resistance value of the
testing electrode into a blood sugar value, thus outputting a signal to the LCD 2 so that the measured blood
sugar value measured by means of the testing electrode is displayed thereon.
25 It is decided at step S31 whether or not the testing electrode has been pulled out from the connector 3.
The CPU 50 makes the decision based on whether or not the detecting circuit 52 has supplied the
mounting detection signal to the CPU 50. If the testing electrode has been pulled out therefrom at step S31 ,
the power supply of the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 is turned off under the control of
the CPU 50. If the testing electrode has not been pulled out therefrom at step S31, the CPU 50 decides at
30 step S32 whether or not 10 seconds have elapsed from the point when the electrode was inserted into the
connector 3 at step SI. If 10 seconds have not elapsed and the testing electrode has not been pulled out
from the connector 3, the program returns to step S30 to repeatedly perform the operations at steps S30
through S32. When 10 seconds have elapsed at step S32 without the testing electrode being removed from
the connector 3, the program goes to step S33 at which the CPU 50 reads out the data of the past 10
35 measured blood sugar values stored in the RAM 70, thus outputting the data of the 10 measured blood
sugar values sequentially to the LCD 2. The data of the 10 measured blood sugar values is displayed in the
same procedure as that to be performed at step S8.
It is probable that the CPU 50 performs the data erasing operation (step S50 through S52) as described
above before the output of the data of ail the measured blood sugar values read out from the RAM 70 is
40 completed. That is, it is decided at step S50 subsequent to step S33 whether or not the electrode has been
removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1. If the electrode has not been removed
therefrom at step S50, the program goes to step S53, whereas if the electrode has been removed therefrom
at step S50, the program goes to step S51 .
It is decided at step S51 whether or not the electrode has been mounted again on the portable blood
45 sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 within three seconds after the removal of the electrode therefrom. If the
electrode has not been mounted again at step S51, the power supply is turned off under the control of the
CPU 50. At this time, the data of the measured blood sugar values stored in the RAM 70 is not erased. If
the electrode has been mounted again at step S51 , the program goes to step S52 at which the CPU 50
erases the data of all the measured blood sugar values stored in the RAM 70. Then, the power supply is
so turned off under the control of the CPU 50.
It is decided at step S53 whether the output of the data of all the measured blood sugar values read out
from the RAM 70 is completed. If the output is not completed at step S53. the program returns to step S33,
whereas if the output is completed at step 53, the power supply is turned off.
The calibrating (switch-over of working curve) function means a function to specify one working curve
55 from among data of a plurality of working curve stored in the portable blood sugar value-measuring
apparatus 1. The CPU 50 decides that an electrode inserted into the connector 3 is the calibrating electrode
according to a predetermined resistance value of the electrode, thus specifying a working curve designated
by the calibrating electrode.
12
EP 0 651 250 A2
The operation of the calibrating function is described below with reference to Fig. 5. If it is decided at
step S4 that an electrode inserted into the connector 3 is the calibrating electrode, the program goes to
step S40 at which the working curve number is displayed on the LCD 2 under the control of the CPU 50,
based on the resistance value of the calibrating electrode.
5 It is decided at step S41 whether or not the calibrating electrode has been pulled out from the
connector 3. The CPU 50 makes the decision based on whether or not the detecting circuit 52 has
outputted the mounting detection signal to the CPU 50. If the calibrating electrode has been pulled out from
the connection 3 at step S41, the power supply of the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 is
turned off under the control of the CPU 50. If the calibrating electrode has not been pulled out from the
70 connection 3 at step S41, the CPU 50 decides whether or not 10 seconds have elapsed from the point
when the electrode was inserted into the connector 3 at step SI. If 10 seconds have not elapsed and the
calibrating electrode has not been pulled out from the connector 3, the program returns to step S40 to
repeatedly perform the operations at steps S40 through S42. When 10 seconds have elapsed at step S42
without the calibrating electrode being removed from the connector 3, the program goes to step S43 at
;5 which the CPU 50 reads out the data of the past 10 measured blood sugar values stored in the RAM 70,
thus outputting the data of the read-out measured blood sugar values sequentially to the LCD 2. The data of
the read-out measured blood sugar values is displayed in the same procedure as that to be performed at
step S8.
It is probable that the CPU 50 executes the data erasing operation (step S50 through S52) as described
20 above before the output of the data of all the measured blood sugar values read out from the RAM 70 is
completed. That is, it is decided at step S50 subsequent to step S43 whether or not the electrode has been
removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus 1. If the electrode has not been removed
therefrom at step S50, the program goes to step S53, whereas if the electrode has been removed therefrom
at step S50, the program goes to step S51 .
25 It is decided at step S51 whether or not the electrode has been mounted again on the portable blood
sugar value-measuring apparatus 1 within three seconds after the removal of the electrode therefrom. If the
electrode has not been mounted again at step S51, the power supply is turned off under the control of the
CPU 50. At this time, the data of the measured blood sugar values stored in the RAM 70 is not erased. If
the electrode has been mounted again at step S51, the program goes to step S52 at which the CPU 50
30 erases the data of all the measured blood sugar values stored in the RAM 70. Then, the power supply is
turned off.
it is decided at step S53 whether the output of the data of all the measured blood sugar values read out
from the RAM 70 is completed. If the output is not completed at step S53, the program returns to step S43,
whereas if the output is completed at step 53, the power supply is turned off.
35 As described above, the data stored in the RAM 70 can be displayed as short as 10 seconds after the
testing electrode or the calibrating electrode is inserted into the connector 3, whereas the data stored in the
RAM 70 is displayed as long as one minute after the measuring electrode 4 is inserted into the connector 3.
The operations to be executed at steps S30 and S40 correspond to the predetermined value-display
process defined in the claim of the present invention. A predetermined value-display portion 50i of the CPU
40 50 shown in Fig. 9 executes the predetermined value display process. The operations to be executed at
steps S31 through S33 and S41 correspond to the first clocking process, the deciding process, and the
read-out process, respectively.
As described above, according to the data managing method of the present invention comprises a data
managing method, to be carried out in a portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus having no
45 operation button, of selectively and removably mounting one of electrodes on the apparatus to execute a
function in correspondence with a resistance value of the selected electrode, comprising:
a preparatory process of mounting the electrode on the portable blood sugar value-measuring
apparatus to set the apparatus to an operation start state and select the function to be executed in
correspondence with the mounted electrode;
so a first clocking process of clocking a first predetermined period of time after the execution of the
preparatory process terminates;
a deciding process for deciding whether the first clocking process has been switched over to a blood
sugar value-measuring process for measuring a blood sugar value of to-be-measured liquid which has
dropped to the mounted electrode while clocking the first predetermined period of time is being executed in
55 the first clocking process, a measured blood sugar value in the blood sugar value-measuring process is
stored in a storing means when it is decided that the measured blood sugar value is to be stored in the
storing means; and
a read-out process for reading out data stored in the storing means from a termination point of the first
13
EP 0 651 250 A2
predetermined period of time and outputting the data read out from the storing means when the first
predetermined period of time has terminated without the switch-over from the first clocking process to the
blood sugar value-measuring process being decided in the deciding process.
By the above construction, it is decided whether or not the first clocking process has been switched
5 over to a blood sugar value-measuring process for measuring the blood sugar value of to-be-measured
liquid while the operation of clocking the first predetermined period of time is being executed in the first
clocking process. If it is decided that the first clocking process has not been switched over to the a blood
sugar value-measuring process for measuring the blood sugar value of to-be-measured liquid, the read-out
of the data of measured blood sugar values stored in the storing means is started from the termination point
10 of the first predetermined period of time. Thus, in the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus
having no operation buttons, the data of the measured blood sugar values can be smoothly read out from
the storing means.
In the read-out process, a data erasing process may be provided. By this construction, decisions are
made as whether or not the mounted electrode has been removed from the portable blood sugar value-
rs measuring apparatus while the data of the measured blood sugar values are being read out and then
whether or not the electrode has been mounted thereon. The data of all of the measured blood sugar values
stored in the storing means is erased in a predetermined condition. Thus, in the portable blood sugar value-
measuring apparatus having no operation buttons, the data of the measured blood sugar values stored in
the storing means can be smoothly erased.
20 In the read-out process, a dropping deciding process may be provided. By this construction, whether or
not to-be-measured liquid has been dropped on the electrode is decided while the data of the measured
blood sugar values is being read out from the storing means. Accordingly, in the portable blood sugar
value-measuring apparatus having no operation buttons, the display of the measured blood sugar values
can be switched over smoothly to the blood sugar value-measuring operation or can be continued.
25 When a blood sugar value-measuring function is selected in the preparatory process, a blood sugar
value-measuring process and a writing process may be provided. By this construction, the data of the
measured blood sugar values is written to the storing means. Accordingly, in the portable blood sugar
value-measuring apparatus having no operation buttons, the data of the measured blood sugar values can
be smoothly written to the storing means.
30 When a resistance value-measuring function is selected in the preparatory process, a predetermined
value display process may be provided. By this construction, a predetermined value is displayed when the
resistance value-measuring function is selected. Accordingly, in the portable blood sugar value-measuring
apparatus having no operation buttons, the predetermined value can be smoothly displayed when the
resistance value-measuring function is selected.
35 A second clocking process and a writing permission/nonpermission deciding process may be provided.
By this construction, the writing of the data of a currently measured blood sugar value to the storing means
is suspended. Accordingly, in the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus having no operation
buttons, the data of the measured blood sugar values can be smoothly managed.
When that the blood sugar value-measuring function is selected in the preparatory process, a liquid
40 kind-classifying data-output process may be provided. By the construction the liquid kind-classifying data is
outputted to the storing means when it is decided that the mounted electrode has been removed from the
portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus and then mounted thereon so as to allow the operation of
measuring the blood sugar value of the liquid to be executed. Thus, the data of the measured blood sugar
values to be stored in the storing means can be classified, and hence, in the portable blood sugar value-
rs measuring apparatus having no operation buttons, the data of the measured blood sugar values can be
smoothly managed.
According to the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus of the present invention comprises a
portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus, having no operation button, for selecting a function to be
executed based on one of electrodes each of which has resistance value executing a function, the
so apparatus having an electrode detection means for detecting whether or not one of the electrodes
removable therefrom has been mounted thereon, thus outputting a mounting detection signal; and a signal
output means, connected with an output side of the electrode detection means, for outputting a function
selection signal based on a resistance value of the electrode mounted on the portable blood sugar value-
measuring apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
55 a storing means for storing data of measured blood sugar values obtained by executing a blood sugar
value-measuring function selected based on the resistance value of the mounted electrode;
a preparatory means, connected with the output side of the electrode detection means and an output
side of the signal output means, for setting the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus to an
14
EP 0 651 250 A2
operation start state when the electrode detection means detects that the electrode has been mounted on
the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus and selecting the function to be executed based on the
function selection signal;
a first clocking means connected with an output side of the preparatory means, for clocking a first
s predetermined period of time from a point when the function is selected by the preparatory means;
a deciding means, connected with an output side of the first clocking means, the output side of the
electrode detection means, and the output side of the signal output means, for deciding whether or not the
mounting detection signal and the function selection signal have been supplied while clocking the first
predetermined period of time is being executed; and
10 a read-out means, connected with the output side of the deciding means and an output side of the
storing means, for reading out the data of the measured blood, sugar values stored in the storing means
from a point when the first predetermined period of time has terminated and outputting the data of the
measured blood sugar values when the first predetermined period of time has terminated without the
deciding means deciding whether or not the function selection signal has been supplied.
75 By this construction, it is decided whether or not the function selection signal has been supplied while
the operation of clocking the first predetermined period of time is being executed in the first clocking
process. If it is decided that the function selection signal has not been supplied, the read-out of the data of
the measured blood sugar values stored in the storing means is started from the termination point of the i
first predetermined period of time. Thus, in the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus having no
20 operation buttons, the data of the measured blood sugar values can be smoothly read out from the storing
means.
A data erasing means may be provided. By this construction, the data erasing means erases the data of
the measured blood sugar values stored in the storing means when the mounted electrode has been
removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus before all the data of the measured
25 blood sugar values read out from the storing means is outputted from the read-out means and then the
electrode has been mounted thereon.
Namely, decisions are made as whether or not the mounted electrode has been removed from the
portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus before the data of the measured blood sugar values are
being read out from the storing means and then whether or not the electrode has been mounted thereon
30 before a predetermined period of time is terminated. The data of all of the measured blood sugar values
stored in the storing means is erased in a predetermined condition. Thus, in the portable blood sugar value-
measuring apparatus having no operation buttons, the data of the measured blood sugar values stored in
the storing means can be smoothly erased.
A blood sugar value-measuring means and a writing means may be provided. By this construction, in
35 executing the blood sugar value-measuring function, when the deciding means has decided that the
function selection signal has been supplied, the blood sugar value-measuring means measures the blood
sugar values of to-be-measured liquid and the writing means writes the data of the measured blood sugar
value to the storing means.
The data of the measured blood sugar values is written to the storing means. Accordingly, in the
40 portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus having no operation button, the data of the measured blood
sugar values can be smoothly written to the storing means.
An dropping means may be provided. By this construction, the dropping deciding means decides
whether or not the function selection signal has been supplied while the read-out means is outputting data
of the blood sugar values read out from the ding to the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus as define
45 storing means. The dropping deciding means allows the measurement of a blood sugar value to be
executed when it is decided that the function selecting signal has been supplied, whereas it allows the
output of the data of the measured blood sugar values to be continued when rt is decided that the function
selection signal has not been supplied.
Whether or not to-be-measured liquid has been dropped to the electrode is decided while the data of
so the measured blood sugar values read out from the storing means is being outputted. Accordingly, in the
portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus having no operation buttons, the display operation can be
switched over smoothly to the blood sugar value-measuring operation or can be continued in the outputting
the data.
A second clocking means and a writing permission/nonpermission deciding means may be provided.
55 By this construction, the writing permission/nonpermission deciding means decides whether or not the data
of the measured blood sugar value should be written to the storing means based on whether or not the
mounted blood sugar value-measuring electrode has been removed from the portable blood sugar value-
measuring apparatus before the second predetermined period of time terminates and then whether or not it
15
EP 0 651 250 A2
has been mounted thereon again before a predetermined period of time terminates. The writing permis-
sion/nonpermission deciding means suspends the writing of the data of a currently measured blood sugar
value to the storing means.
Accordingly, in the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus having no operation buttons, the
5 data of the measured blood sugar values can be smoothly managed.
A display means and a predetermined value-display means may be provided. By this construction, the
predetermined value-display means causes the display means to display a predetermined vale based on
the resistance value of an electrode mounted on the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus.
The predetermined value is written to the storing means when a resistance value-measuring function is
70 selected. Accordingly, in the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus having no operation button,
the predetermined value can be smoothly written to the storing means when the resistance value-measuring
function is selected.
When that the blood sugar value-measuring function is selected, the deciding means outputs the liquid
kind-classifying data to the writing means when it is decided that the mounted blood sugar value-measuring
75 electrode has been removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus and then mounted
thereon again. Thus, the storing means stores the blood sugar value to which the liquid kind-classifying data
is attached. That is, the deciding means has a function of classifying the data of the measured blood sugar
value.
The liquid kind-classifying data is outputted to the storing means when it is decided that the blood
20 sugar value-measuring electrode has been removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring
apparatus and then mounted thereon again. Thus, the data of the measured blood sugar values to be stored
in the storing means can be classified in the blood sugar value-measuring operation to be executed
thereafter. Hence, in the blood sugar value-measuring apparatus having no operation buttons, the data of
the measured blood sugar values can be smoothly managed.
25 As described above, in this construction of the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus having
no operation buttons thereon, the data erasing means, the blood sugar value-measuring means, the writing
means, the dropping deciding means, the second clocking means, the writing permission/nonpermission
deciding means, and the predetermined value-display means act smoothly to read out the data of the
measured blood sugar values from the storing means and to suspend the writing of data of the blood sugar
30 values or the like.
It is to be noted that the storing means corresponds to the RAM in the embodiment; the electrode
detecting means corresponds to the connector and the detecting circuit in the embodiment; the signal
output means corresponds to the current/voltage converter and the A/D converter; the preparatory means,
the first clocking means, the deciding means, the read-out means, the blood sugar value-measuring means,
35 the writing means, the second clocking means, the writing permission/nonpermission deciding means, the
predetermined value-display means, the dropping deciding means, and the data erasing means correspond
to the central processing unit in the embodiment.
The liquid kind-classifying data output from the deciding means to the writing means data correspond-
ing to "C" written to the storing means when control liquid is measured in the embodiment.
40 Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments
thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and
modifications are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood
as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart
therefrom.
45
Claims
1. A data managing method, to be carried out in a portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus having
no operation button, of selectively and removably mounting one of electrodes on the apparatus to
50 execute a function in correspondence with a resistance value of the selected electrode, comprising:
a preparatory process (S1-S4) of mounting the electrode on the portable blood sugar value-
measuring apparatus to set the apparatus to an operation start state and select the function to be
executed in correspondence with the mounted electrode;
a first clocking process (S5, S6) of clocking a first predetermined period of time after the execution
55 of the preparatory process terminates;
a deciding process (S7) for deciding whether the first clocking process has been switched over to a
blood sugar value-measuring process (S11-S17) for measuring a blood sugar value of to-be-measured
liquid which has dropped to the mounted electrode while clocking the first predetermined period of time
16
EP 0 651 250 A2
is being executed in the first clocking process, a measured blood sugar value in the blood sugar value-
measuring process is stored in a storing means when it is decided that the measured blood sugar value
is to be stored in the storing means; and
a read-out process (S8) for reading out data stored in the storing means from a termination point of
5 the first predetermined period of time and outputting the data read out from the storing means when
the first predetermined period of time has terminated without the switch-over from the first clocking
process to the blood sugar value-measuring process being decided in the deciding process.
2. The data managing method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the read-out process includes a data erasing
io process (S50-S52) for deciding whether or not the mounted electrode has been removed from the
portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus before the data of all of the measured blood sugar
values read out from the storing means is outputted and then whether or not the electrode has been
mounted thereon before a predetermined period of time terminates; and erasing the data of all of the
measured blood sugar values stored in the storing means when it is decided that the mounted
75 electrode, has been removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus before the data
of all of the measured blood sugar values read out from the storing means is outputted and then the
electrode has been mounted thereon before the predetermined period of time terminates.
3. The data managing method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the read-out process includes a
20 dropping deciding process (S10) for deciding whether or not the to-be-measured liquid has been
dropped to the electrode before the data of all of the measured blood sugar values read out from the
storing means is outputted; allowing the process of measuring the blood sugar value of the liquid to be
executed when it is decided that the liquid has been dropped to the mounted electrode before the data
of all of the measured blood sugar values read out from the storing means is outputted; and continuing
25 the output of the data of all of the measured blood sugar values when it is decided that the liquid has
not been dropped to the mounted electrode before the data of all of the measured blood sugar values
read out from the storing means is outputted.
4. The data managing method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a writing process (S22) for writing
30 the data of the blood sugar value measured in the blood sugar value-measuring process to the storing
means after the execution of the blood sugar value-measuring process terminates, wherein when the
selected function in the preparating process is to measure a blood sugar value and when it is decided
in the deciding process due to the dropping of the liquid to the mounted electrode that the first clocking
process has been switched over to the blood sugar value-measuring process, the writing process is
35 executed.
5. The data managing method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a predetermined value
display process, provided subsequently to the preparatory process, for displaying a predetermined
value based on the electrode mounted on the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus,
40 wherein, when a resistance value-measuring function is selected in the preparatory process, the display
process is executed.
6. The data managing method as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 3, and 5, wherein when the storing
means stores the data of a plurality of measured blood sugar values, the read-out process comprises
45 the steps of reading out an average value of the measured blood sugar values and subsequently, the
data of each of the measured blood sugar values sequentially at predetermined intervals.
7. The data managing method as claimed in claim 4 or 6, further comprising:
a second clocking process (S18.19), provided between the blood sugar value-measuring process
so and the writing process, for clocking a second predetermined period of time from a point when the
execution of the measuring blood sugar value-measuring process terminates; and
a writing permission/nonpermission deciding process (S20.21), provided between the blood sugar
value-measuring process and the writing process, for deciding whether or not the mounted electrode
has been removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus before the second
55 predetermined period of time terminates and then deciding whether or not the selected electrode has
been mounted thereon before a predetermined period of time terminates; allowing the second clocking
process to be switched to the writing process when it is decided that the mounted electrode has been
removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus and not been mounted thereon
17
EP 0 651 250 A2
before a predetermined period of time terminates; and suspending writing of the data of a currently
measured blood sugar value to the storing means when it is decided that the mounted electrode has
been removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus and the selected electrode
has been mounted thereon before a predetermined period of time terminates.
5
8. The data managing method as claimed in claim 4 or 7, wherein the deciding process comprises a
liquid kind-classifying data-output process (S7) for deciding whether or not the mounted electrode has
been removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus and then whether or not the
selected electrode has been mounted thereon; outputting liquid kind-classifying data to the storing
w means when it is decided that the mounted electrode has been removed from the portable blood sugar
value-measuring apparatus and the selected electrode has been mounted thereon; and allowing the
process of measuring the blood sugar value of the liquid to be executed, and when the blood sugar
value-measuring function is selected in the preparatory process, the liquid kind-classifying data-output
process is executed.
9. A portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus, having no operation button, for selecting a function
to be executed based on one of electrodes each of which has resistance value executing a function, the
apparatus having an electrode detection means (3,52) for detecting whether or not one of the
electrodes removable therefrom has been mounted thereon, thus outputting a mounting detection
20 signal; and a signal output means (53,54), connected with an output side of the electrode detection
means, for outputting a function selection signal based on a resistance value of the electrode mounted
on the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
a storing means (70) for storing data of measured blood sugar values obtained by executing a
blood sugar value-measuring function selected based on the resistance value of the mounted electrode;
25 a preparatory means (50a), connected with the output side of the electrode detection means and an
output side of the signal output means, for setting the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus
to an operation start state when the electrode detection means detects that the electrode has been
mounted on the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus and selecting the function to be
executed based on the function selection signal;
30 a first clocking means (50b) connected with an output side of the preparatory means, for clocking a
first predetermined period of time from a point when the function is selected by the preparatory means;
a deciding means (50c), connected with an output side of the first clocking means, the output side
of the electrode detection means, and the output side of the signal output means, for deciding whether
or not the mounting detection signal and the function selection signal have been supplied while
35 clocking the first predetermined period of time is being executed; and
a read-out means (50d), connected with the output side of the deciding means and an output side
of the storing means, for reading out the data of the measured blood sugar values stored in the storing
means from a point when the first predetermined period of time has terminated and outputting the data
of the measured blood sugar values when the first predetermined period of time has terminated without
40 the deciding means deciding whether or not the function selection signal has been supplied.
10. The portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising:
a data erasing means (50j), an input side of which is connected with the electrode detecting means
and the read-out means and an output side of which is connected with the storing means, the data
45 erasing means deciding whether or not the mounted electrode has been removed from the portable
blood sugar value-measuring apparatus before the data of the measured blood sugar values read out
from the storing means is outputted from the read-out means and then whether or not the selected
electrode has been mounted thereon before a predetermined period of time terminates, based on the
mounting detection signal outputted from the electrode detecting means; and erasing the data of the
so measured blood sugar values stored in the storing means when it is decided that the mounted
electrode has been removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus before the data
of the measured blood sugar values read out from the storing means is outputted from the read-out
. means and the selected electrode has been mounted thereon before the predetermined period of time
terminates.
55
11. The portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising:
a blood sugar value-measuring means (50e), connected with the output side of the deciding means,
for executing an operation of measuring the blood sugar value of to-be-measured liquid which has
18
EP 0 651 250 A2
dropped to the blood sugar value-measuring electrode corresponding to a measuring function after
mounted on the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus and then the liquid dropped on the
electrode; and
a writing means (50h), an input side of which is connected with the blood sugar value-measuring
5 means and the deciding means and an output side of which is connected with the storing means, for
writing the data of the measured blood sugar values outputted from the blood sugar value-measuring
means and liquid kind-classifying data outputted from the deciding means to the storing means.
12. The portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or 10, further comprising a
/o dropping deciding means (50k), an input side of which is connected with the read-out means and the
signal output means and an output side of which is connected with the blood sugar value-measuring
means and the read-out means, the dropping deciding means deciding whether or not the function
selection signal has been supplied before the data of all the measured blood sugar values read out
from the storing means is outputted from the read-out means; allowing an operation of measuring the
75 blood sugar value of the liquid which has dropped to the mounted electrode to be executed when it is
decided that the function selection signal has been supplied; and continuing the output of the data of
the measured blood sugar values to the read-out means when it is decided that the function selection
signal has not been supplied.
20 13. The portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
a second clocking means (50f), connected with an output side of the blood sugar value-measuring
means, for clocking a second predetermined period of time from a point when the operation of
measuring the blood sugar value terminates; and
a writing permission/nonpermission deciding means (50g), an input side of which is connected with
25 the second clocking means and the electrode detecting means and an output side of which is
connected with the writing means, the writing permission/nonpermission deciding means deciding
whether or not the blood sugar value-measuring electrode has been removed from the blood sugar
value-measuring apparatus before the second predetermined period of time terminates and then
whether or not the blood sugar value-measuring electrode has been mounted thereon before a
30 predetermined period of time terminates, based on the mounting detection signal outputted from the
electrode detecting means; outputting the data of the blood sugar values measured by the blood sugar
value-measuring operation to the writing means when it is decided that the blood sugar value-
measuring electrode has been removed from the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus
before the second predetermined period of time terminates and the selected electrode has not been
35 mounted thereon before the predetermined period of time terminates; and then suspending writing of
the data of a currently measured blood sugar value to the storing means when it is decided that the
blood sugar value-measuring electrode has been removed from the blood sugar value-measuring
apparatus and the selected electrode has been mounted thereon.
40 14. The portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9, 10, and 12,
further comprising:
a display means (2) for displaying information visually; and
a predetermined value-display means (50i), an input side of which is connected with the prepara-
tory means and an output side of which is connected with the display means, for causing the display
45 means to display a predetermined value based on a resistance value of an electrode for measuring the
resistance value mounted on the portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus, when a function of
measuring the resistance value is selected by the preparatory means.
15. The portable blood sugar value-measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 13, wherein when the
so blood sugar value-measuring electrode is mounted on the portable blood sugar value-measuring
apparatus, the deciding means decides whether or not the blood sugar value-measuring electrode has
been removed from the portable blood sugar vaiue-measuring apparatus and then whether or not the
blood sugar value-measuring electrode has been mounted thereon again based on the mounting
detection signal; and outputting the liquid kind-classifying data to the writing means when it is decided
55 that the blood sugar value-measuring electrode has been removed from the portable blood sugar value-
measuring apparatus and mounted thereon again before the blood sugar value-measuring means is
actuated.
19
EP 0 651 250 A2
Fig.1
S4
(INSERTION , N
COMPLETION ( ELECTRODE IS MOUNTED j SI
" SOUND) " ' "
USTING ELECTRODE
pis"
Q
ALL DISPLAYS ARE TURNED
ON FOR TWO SECONDS
BATTERY VOLTAGE IS DETECTED
— I
NO
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"yes"
S2
S3
NO
CONTROL LIQUID
CAN BE USED
NEXT MEASUREMENT NUMBER
AND "F" NUMBER ARE
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S5
20
EP 0 651 250 A2
Fig.2
P
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TEMPERATURE T1 IS MEASURED
S12
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TEMPERATURE 12 IS MEASURED
S16
ERROR IS
YES *
DISPLAYED
MEASURED / CALCULATED
S18
MEASUREMENT RESULT
IS DISPLAYED
(MEASUREMENT
COMPLETION SOUND)
21
EP 0 651 250 A2
22
EP 0 651 250 A2
23
24
EP 0 651 250 A2
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EP 0 651
250 A2
in
27
EP 0 651 250 A2
Fig. 9
50
53,54
I
SIGNAL
OUTPUT
MEANS
3,52
ELECTRODE
DETECTING
CIRCUIT
-50a
PREPARATORY
PORTION
»50*i |
PREDETERMINED
VALUE - DISPLAY
PORTION
FIRST CLOCKING
PORTION
-50b
50c
DECIDING
PORTION
v
-y50e
BLOOD SUGAR
VALUE - MEASURING
PORTION
50f
SECOND CLOCKING
PORTION
-50g
WRITING PERMISSION
/NONPERMISSION
DECIDING PORTION
50d
LCD
DISPLAY
READ - OUT
PORTION
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WRITING
PORTION
70
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RAM
DATA
ERASING
PORTION
28
EP 0 651 250 A2
Fig. 1 1
29
EP 0 651 250 A2
Fig. 12
30
EP 0 651 250 A2
Fig. 13
31
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